[hairytrog]

I'm pretty sure flight time is not the dominant labor cost. It's docking and going in and out of the airport and pre/post-flight prep.

[seanmcdirmid]

Flight crew is paid for time in the air (well, while the door is closed).

But even then for a long haul, that stuff isn’t as significant. Conversely, for a puddle jumper with quick turn around, not as much either.

[supermanfan]

Pilots are generally only paid for actual flight time. At scheduled airlines, dispatchers do most of the pre-flight prep.